Engine Replacement Cost

 How much does engine replacement cost? Are you looking to replace your engine for better performance?

You will spend about $4,000-$7,000 for a new engine. Used ones will be sold for between $400-$700, whereas a rebuilt engine will cost $1000-$2500. Labor will cost $1100-$1800.

This article emphasizes the amount spent to replace an engine, reviewing labor costs and other additional costs, it also covers signs of a faulty engine, how to avoid engine failure, and all other factors related to an engine replacement.

It is a bad sign when an engine fails. It is not only expensive to fix, but it affects your schedule. So how much does engine replacement cost? Let’s get started!

There are three(3) key factors to put into consideration to uncover the answer:

• Are you replacing it with a new, used, or rebuilt engine
• Shop rate
• Complexity and size of the engine

Used engines are usually sold at a lower price, ranging from $400 to $700. You will consider the car’s age, the shipping cost, and the miles on the used engine. Although Freight charges (loading fee) are not added to the price, you will still make the payment.

Installing a used engine is unreliable because secondhand goods have a short warranty duration for the engine, not including the labor. For a new engine, the labor is included in the warranty; if a new engine is installed and is not functioning, you will not pay for extra time.

Risk can be reduced by buying the “rebuilt engine.” Rebuilding an engine does not imply that your engine is new; it means that the seals, gaskets, and worn parts that move have been changed. The engine works and attains its life expectancy after a proper installation. You will get a better warranty than that of a used part.

A 4-cylinder rebuilt engine will cost $2,500, whereas a used one will cost $1,000 or even less. So both of them are less expensive than a new engine.

Signs of Engine Failure

When there is engine failure, various systems will be affected and shown in different ways. However, common symptoms of a failing engine will be discussed below:

1. Check engine light: some modern cars have a check engine light that has made it possible for us to be aware that one of the various engine sensors has noticed an issue. Using an OBD-ll code reader, check what made the check engine light come on.
2. Decreased performance: if the engine of your car is misbehaving or running low, you should take it to be examined. Decreased performance can mean an inability to move the car or a reduction in fuel efficiency.
3. Knocking: a thumping or knocking noise from the engine bay is a sign of engine failure. Such sound can also mean that, in the cylinder, fuel is buried unevenly.
4. Grinding: this can result from failure to lubricate engine components, which further leads to metal-metal contact.
5. Increased exhaust: When exhaust comes out of your engine excessively, something is wrong. You can tell what is burning by the smoke color: Black smoke means a big amount of fuel is going inside the engine. Blue smoke means burning engine oil. White smoke means burning coolant or antifreeze.
6. Coolant leaks or oil: coolant or oil spots seen on the floor under the car can be from a faulty engine. If you discover a leak early, it might not be a problem. If the vehicle has had leakage for a long time, a reduction in fluids can cause various issues.

If you feel it is a major engine problem, go to a trusted mechanic to know what the problem might be. A professional mechanic can carry out a complete scan of the car to see what the problem is. If the mechanic informs you of the problem as regards your engine having a serious issue, you have two options:

1. Engine replacement
2. Engine rebuild.

Also Read: Wheel Alignment Cost

How Long Does It Take To Replace an Engine?

It depends on your car. Although it usually takes between eight(8) to twenty(20) hours. The rate of one hundred dollars ($100) per hour. Meaning that on labor, you will spend between $800 – $2,000, but other mechanics will charge higher. In 2017 the AAA realized that repair stores/shops in its area charged from $47 to $215 for each hour.

Time spent on replacing an engine is usually long because you have to source a new engine, replace the old one, and test the replacement. As a result, your car can spend three to seven days in the shop or a longer time.

How Much Does It Cost to Rebuild an Engine?

Rebuilding an engine is not as expensive as replacing the engine. The price will depend on the amount of work that is needed? As well as the engine type. According to National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), an estimated price is between $2500 – $4000.

Suppose you choose the “rebuild” option. In that case, the professional mechanic will decouple your car’s engine for proper examination and reassemble your engine using re-machined or new parts to change the thing(s) that caused the problem. Rebuilding requires tons of processes, but at the end of the day, your engine will be as new as ever and working properly.

On the bad side, the steps can take two(2) weeks, and the resale value will reduce because many people do not like buying a car that has a rebuilt engine. It is a sad truth.

Is Replacing an Engine Worth It?

First, how much is the car? Then, compare the price of a rebuilt engine and that of a new engine. If the price of an engine is more or similar to the car, you should reconsider and check; for how long do you plan on keeping the car? Can you buy a new car if you decide not to change the engine? Etc.

Whereas, if the car is way more expensive than changing an engine, you should change it.

Engine Replacement Cost: Labor Cost

An estimated 10-12 hours will be required to replace an engine. For an experienced mechanic changing an easy engine, roughly eight(8) hours will be enough, and fifteen (15) hours for a bigger job.

The shop rate is usually between $90 – $150 per hour. Multiply the said hours with the labor cost. For a low-end shop rate of $110 and a high of $150, the labor on an engine change/ replacement is between $1,100 to $1,800.

Other Engine Replacement Cost

With or in place of changing your engine, the following may also be needed to change in a car.

• Belt tensioners
• Water pump
• Idler Pulleys
• Fuel pump
• Intake and exhaust manifolds
• Drive belts
• Radiator hoses

Let us discuss them in no particular order:

Radiator Hoses

It costs between $30-$60. It connects the engine block to the radiator and then shares coolant between the two to prevent overheating of the engine.

Water pump

Changing costs an estimated $500; this includes labor and parts; other fees and taxes are not covered. In addition, the water pump prevents engine overheating by distributing coolant.

Drive Belts

To change the belt, you will spend between $120-$160 for labor and parts. It is called a serpentine belt or driving belt. It further provides various driving functions.

Belt Tensioners

The belt tensioner regulates tension on a serpentine belt, holding a suitable grip on the car’s pulley to take its engine rotating force where it needs to be. You will spend about $150 to change a belt tensioner.

Fuel pump

You will spend between $200- $1,000; labor and parts are included, with no fees or taxes. The pump delivers diesel or

gasoline to the combustion chamber of the engine.

Idler Pulleys

You will pay $80-$200 to change the Idler pulleys. It drives the vehicle belt and supports the engine operations.

Intake and Exhaust Manifolds

Here, you consider a car’s intake manifold replacement which takes three or two hours, with about $250 for fixing only. Again, the model will determine the price or make between $150-$400 and above.

Helpful Clues to Maintain your Engine to Avoid Replacement or Rebuild

Engine replacement might sound scary because it is quite expensive. You are hence advised to safeguard your car’s engine proactively.

Below are some tips that will help:

1. Have a schedule for changing your oil. As you know, engine oil helps lubricate the parts and reduces wear, tear, or overheating.
2. Ensure that its cooling system is functional by possessing the correct quantity of radiator fluid(coolant)
3. Look out for leaks. Look under the car before you go out. Check for puddles or spots of fluids under the car and be conscious of fluid odor.
4. Pay attention to dashboard warning lights and check engine warning lights. Such lights can either mean a minor or major problem.
5. Change your fuel filter: the filter safeguards your engine from particles and sediments in your fuel. The new filter makes sure that there is clean fuel flow in your engine.

Also Read: Engine Rebuild Cost

Frequently Asked Questions – Engine Replacement Cost

Conclusion – Engine Replacement Cost

Replacement or rebuilding of an engine is a costly repair job. However, you will eventually have to do so if you ride a high-mileage vehicle. It is cheaper to replace your engine with a used one but ensure it is in good condition before purchasing. If not, you will have to deal with a bad engine.

Generally, rebuilding an engine is the better choice. Here, all the necessary components are being replaced and still ensure that your engine comes out as good as new, running properly. If you rely on such a repair shop and mechanic to do an excellent job, go ahead with the engine rebuild.

Finally manufactured engine is usually the best option. It is more expensive and is like a new engine with a warranty. It is being restored to factory specifications.

If the three options are very expensive for you, another option is to sell the car but at a lower price. You can then save up and buy your dream vehicle.